Question on Fisher & Paykel Forma Full Face CPAP Mask.

I've noted that some members of this forum have had good luck with zero to very low leak rates (95% - <5) with the Fisher & Paykel (F&P) Forma Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear, which is why I decided to give it a try. The DME provider tried to talk me out of it and stated that her boss wants them to discontinue carrying that mask. She didn't have any explanation for their reasons on wanting to discontinue it. Regardless, I purchased it anyway. I have been wearing it for the last two nights. The first night of wearing it I had a 95% leak rate of around 35. This morning, Mr. Grumpy Face appeared on the display of my machine. I'll check tonight to find out what my leak rate was for last night. My AHI for the first night was 0.5 and last night was 0.4. I know that any mask requires an adjustment period. I wasn't able to find much on YouTube or elsewhere in terms of a demo to ensure that I'm getting a proper fit with the mask. I have noted that there is a difference in the silicone on my other mask, the Quattro™ FX Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear, and the F&P Forma. When the Quattro FX silicone is cleaned properly, there is stickiness to the silicone that helps with getting a good seal on my face. The F&P silicone doesn't seem to have any stickiness to it at all. Any suggestions or input on this particular mask would be appreciated. Thank you. -Chuck-

Hi Chuck,

Which model do you have?

I tried the FlexiFit HC431 at a pressure of 11 and could not get it to stop making the infamous farting noises. Fortunately, I bought it from a place that offers a complete 30 day money back guarantee.

By the way, they had advised me not to buy it but I didn't obviously listen:) So I find that interesting your DME tried to talk you out of it.

Madalot has had great success with it so hopefully, she will chime in. It is just amazing how a mask can work so well for one person and not another.

49er

Chuck Connors wrote:I've noted that some members of this forum have had good luck with zero to very low leak rates (95% - <5) with the Fisher & Paykel (F&P) Forma Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear, which is why I decided to give it a try. The DME provider tried to talk me out of it and stated that her boss wants them to discontinue carrying that mask. She didn't have any explanation for their reasons on wanting to discontinue it. Regardless, I purchased it anyway. I have been wearing it for the last two nights. The first night of wearing it I had a 95% leak rate of around 35. This morning, Mr. Grumpy Face appeared on the display of my machine. I'll check tonight to find out what my leak rate was for last night. My AHI for the first night was 0.5 and last night was 0.4. I know that any mask requires an adjustment period. I wasn't able to find much on YouTube or elsewhere in terms of a demo to ensure that I'm getting a proper fit with the mask. I have noted that there is a difference in the silicone on my other mask, the Quattro™ FX Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear, and the F&P Forma. When the Quattro FX silicone is cleaned properly, there is stickiness to the silicone that helps with getting a good seal on my face. The F&P silicone doesn't seem to have any stickiness to it at all. Any suggestions or input on this particular mask would be appreciated. Thank you. -Chuck-

I use the Forma and I truly love this mask. My leaks most always read zero on the machine when I check it. I posted this on another thread. I just set my chin in the cup and rotate it up to my nose pull the head gear over my head and connect the strap. I had to play with it at first to get it right after that I didn't touch my straps anymore. My straps aren't real loose, I have them snug and it's comfortable for me. Every body's face is different and mine just happens to fit this mask perfectly.

The model is the "Forma." SKU 400471A. Your question did prompt me to look at the Instruction booklet, which I noted was dated May 2009. Seems odd to me that Fisher & Paykel or the DME provider would be carrying inventory that is almost four years old. With a 95% leak rate of 98 last night, I'm not sure how much longer I'll continue trying to make it work before I return it to the DME provider. -Chuck-

49er wrote:Hi Chuck,

Which model do you have?

I tried the FlexiFit HC431 at a pressure of 11 and could not get it to stop making the infamous farting noises. Fortunately, I bought it from a place that offers a complete 30 day money back guarantee.

By the way, they had advised me not to buy it but I didn't obviously listen:) So I find that interesting your DME tried to talk you out of it.

Madalot has had great success with it so hopefully, she will chime in. It is just amazing how a mask can work so well for one person and not another.

49er

Chuck Connors wrote:I've noted that some members of this forum have had good luck with zero to very low leak rates (95% - <5) with the Fisher & Paykel (F&P) Forma Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear, which is why I decided to give it a try. The DME provider tried to talk me out of it and stated that her boss wants them to discontinue carrying that mask. She didn't have any explanation for their reasons on wanting to discontinue it. Regardless, I purchased it anyway. I have been wearing it for the last two nights. The first night of wearing it I had a 95% leak rate of around 35. This morning, Mr. Grumpy Face appeared on the display of my machine. I'll check tonight to find out what my leak rate was for last night. My AHI for the first night was 0.5 and last night was 0.4. I know that any mask requires an adjustment period. I wasn't able to find much on YouTube or elsewhere in terms of a demo to ensure that I'm getting a proper fit with the mask. I have noted that there is a difference in the silicone on my other mask, the Quattro™ FX Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear, and the F&P Forma. When the Quattro FX silicone is cleaned properly, there is stickiness to the silicone that helps with getting a good seal on my face. The F&P silicone doesn't seem to have any stickiness to it at all. Any suggestions or input on this particular mask would be appreciated. Thank you. -Chuck-

The model is the "Forma." SKU 400471A. Your question did prompt me to look at the Instruction booklet, which I noted was dated May 2009. Seems odd to me that Fisher & Paykel or the DME provider would be carrying inventory that is almost four years old. With a 95% leak rate of 98 last night, I'm not sure how much longer I'll continue trying to make it work before I return it to the DME provider.

-Chuck-

Aren't some of the Resmed masks that old? Don't yet have the energy to check:)

Unless you really love the mask, personally, I wouldn't waste more time in trying to get it to work since the leak rate is so high. Especially since you can return it for a full refund.

But obviously you have to make the call.

49er